Local Band In Remembrance Set to Rock Sunset Grille Tonight

Alt-rock band In Remembrance will perform at 9 p.m. tonight, Saturday, Mar. 5 at the Sunset Grille on Columbia Pike. The Woodbridge-based quartet joined forces in 2008 “to honor every member of our armed forces who has fought for our rights and freedom.”

Lead singer and acoustic guitarist Nick Letendre and his band (lead guitarist and vocalist Mike King, bass guitarist Victor Merino and drummer Nick “Beatnix” Harris) specifically honor Capt. Brian S. Letendre, the frontman’s older brother who lost his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.

In Remembrance donates 10 percent of CD sales to TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), a charity assisting families who have lost loved ones overseas. In Remembrance will also be playing at the National Epilepsy Walk on the National Mall on Sunday, Mar. 27. The band will be selling some wristbands tomorrow night to raise money for TAPS. Bracelets are $3 and $1 from each sale goes to the charity.  

Learn more about tonight's performance in this Q&A with frontman Nick Letendre. 

In Remembrance was formed to honor and remember our country’s heroes, especially your older brother Brian. How has this focus shaped your music?

When we play shows, or write music, that is always the main thing on my mind. I certainly don't think that we would be as fortunate as we have been without having a greater cause to our existence as a band. It has certainly given us some of the world’s most loyal fans.

Is this your first time performing at the Sunset Grille?

This is not our first time at the Grille. We have played there quite a few times. We absolutely love Jeanie, one of the bartenders there. She is the greatest. The crowd is very supportive and very patriotic.

What can the audience expect to hear [tonight]?

We play a little bit of everything. Country and Rock from the 60's through today, and a few curve balls that no one would expect.

How has your sound evolved since 2008?

We have all matured as musicians. I already had one of the best drummers in the area. With the addition of our lead guitarist Mike King, and our brand new bassist Reggie Phillips, I am playing with some of the best musicians in the area. It honestly shows in our music. We have learned to play more for the audience, than for our selves or for musicians. We put on a show now, where before, we just played.

Who are some of your musical influences?

My influences personally would have to be country: Johnny Cash, Josh Turner, Toby Keith and Dierks Bentley. I love those guys. The rest of my band is strongly influences from John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Dream Theater, and the Fleet Foxes.

Do you think the local music scene is thriving? Where do you see the band in five years?

The local music scene is certainly on the upswing for us. I don't know about other bands. Since we gained our sponsorships with Jäger we are finding it easier to find better paying gigs. People are starting to realize the value of having a GOOD band. In five years, I hope that In Remembrance will be playing mostly original music. I hope we will be traveling the world, spreading our music.